Why not grant approval for congregational five times prayers?

The health authorities, due to the Covid-19 pandemic have still not granted permission for five times prayers in congregation; approval has been granted for 150 invitees at wedding functions. This shouldn’t be so.

I spoke to Ibrahim Ansar Director of Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, yesterday, and his response was that he had requested permission from Dr. Asela Gunawardena DGHS. I am unable to comprehend the rationale behind the decision to grant approval for wedding, sports activities such as LPL, school reopening, buses packed to capacity, shopping spree, etc., but not for congregational prayers!

In respect of wedding ceremonies, there will definitely be a breach of health guidelines regarding the “DReAM” (Distancing, Respiratory etiquette, Aseptic techniques, Mask) concept which we are supposed to strictly adhere to;

Handshakes, hugging, and kissing of the bride/groom at a wedding are inevitable.

Taking group photographs violates the physical distancing rule.

Most of the time guests will be sans masks in order to consume the drinks and food served.

Consumption of liquor (making the people less immune to Covid-19).

Dancing can help accelerate the spread of the virus in case there is a Covid patient among the invitees.

The health authorities should know that most of the people attending prayers are usually from the same locality, whereas people attending a wedding will be from various places, making the pandemic spread more likely!

I hope that the health authorities will grant approval as soon as possible for congregational prayers. Moreover, according to one of the companions of the Prophet, Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said ‘Prayer in congregation is 27 times more meritorious than a Prayer performed individually’.”(Source: Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Mohamed Zahran

Colombo